A new and marvellous temple of lord Jagannath is coming up in Navi Mumbai, thanks to an overdrive of the Maharashtra Odia Welfare Association (MOWA).
Since 1998, when MOWA came to existence, it has been striving hard to highlight Odisha culture prominently in the socio, economic and spiritual fields.
And, MOWA is spreading the message of lord Jagannath, the presiding deity of Odisha, by setting up a small temple at Navi Mumbai in 2011.
All rituals of the trinity, lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and lord Jagannath are being organised, besides the annual Rath Yatra.
Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Dev has been the guiding force behind this spiritual initiative of MOWA.
Now a bigger temple is coming up as the Government of Maharashtra allotted a land at Sector-5, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai and people are contributing for this great cause, said MOWA president Bhagwan Panda.
Major works on the new temple are now complete and it is expected that the opening will be in the next year.
This year MOWA started a new chapter to the mandir calendar, i.e. Bhagwat Saptaha in association with ONGC employees group.
It all started on November 1 with Kalash Jatra by all women devotees. Prabachan was delivered by Swami Sampoornananda Shastri between 6.45 pm and 9.45 pm each day till November 7, which is followed by dinner in Odishi style.
Purnahuti was done on November 8, followed by Bhajan Sandhya at 7 pm by Odisha famous singer Anindita Das, Sujit Parida and group.
A large number of devotees from various sections of society are gathering here and enjoying the occasion every day. Although this is a new chapter for MOWA’s calendar, it is appreciated by the public to such an extent that the trustees of MOWA have decided to celebrate the Bhajan Saptah every year.
MOWA is engaged in various other socio, cultural and philanthropic activities and its efforts have been appreciated by many, admits ARC Odisha Bhawan, Navi Mumbai K N Biswal.
And, the Government of Odisha is also extending all out support for spreading the culture of Odisha in Mumbai, said MOWA president Panda.